Tuesday, March 14, 2006
Malaria epidemic hits Surigao Sur towns
TANDAG, Surigao del Sur -- A malaria epidemic has hit 13 towns of this province and has sent health officials looking for ways to prevent its further spread.
The malady, which killed 23 people last year out of 1,531 cases, may kill more victims this year if it remains unchecked, health officials said.
Provincial health officer Cesar Pagaran said Monday that his office is undertaking a massive distribution of treated mosquito nets -- a kind of net which kills mosquitoes when they alight on it.
"We have to distribute treated bed nets to town people, especially those living in the hinterlands, to protect them from being bitten by mosquitoes and to kill the insects at the same time," Pagaran said.
Hundreds of mosquito nets were distributed last week to residents in the barangays of Bolhoon and Libas Sud, San Miguel town, which ranks second in the incidence of malaria cases in the province.
Pagaran said that Barangay Carromata, San Miguel, will be the next village this week where they will distribute mosquito nets to its residents.
Affected towns last year with the most number of malaria cases include Lianga with 403; San Miguel, 363; Tago 226; and Bislig City, 222.
Other towns where cases of malaria were reported are Barobo, Bayabas, Cagwait, Hinatuan, Lingig, Marihatag, San Agustin, Tagbina and Tandag.
"We hope to distribute in the next few months thousands of mosquito nets to thousands of families in the 13 affected towns of Surigao del Sur," Pagaran said.
The health officer said cerebral malaria was the common cause of death among the 23 people who died.
Common malaria symptoms are chills and fever. If it remains untreated for a long period, the victim may die or go into a coma, even within a week, Pagaran said.
The mosquito net distribution is being funded by the World Health Organization and the Global Fund Malaria Component. (With a report from Bert Pacate)
For Bisaya stories from Davao. Click here. (March 14, 2006 issue)
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